Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1887-04-02
THE WORK OF THE HERALD.

lC may not be out OF place at thfS time
to make brief review of THE HERALD's
humble efforts. Starting with nothing
we have built up subscription list of
over 1000, and business of from four
to five thousand dollars yearly. BY
economy and hard work we have paid
every thing cash as we went.
While not having untold wealth or UNI
limited cheek to push ourselves into
everything that is going on, we have
endeavored to create healthy public
sentiment and a true spirit of enterprise
that begins at home. In public matters
the welfare of the people has been had
at heart more than the self-interest of in
dividuals; SO in politics for all Of
which we haye met with bitter opposi-
ton on personal grounds, but have been
sustained by the support of the people.
Where once the gas lights lay broken up
along the streets they now burn brightly.
Where cattle roamed at large and grass
grew on our squares, the enforcement of
the ordinances has worked perceptible
improvement. Where once a minority
Council met in an 8x10 shanty and passed
majority resolutions, we have credita-
BILE city hall, a mayor and council more
IN the interest of the people, respecta.
BILE police; more fear of the law and less
favor to the lawless.
The right shaping of public sentiment
where the wrong has been pandered to
foryears by rings and petty ' bosses"
is not the work of day. The bar and
the pulpit may have done their work in
times past, but the conduct of the press
all Will remember was far from one of
christian enlightenment. 1t is not model
yet. but some improvement in its tone
has been made where such change is
not utterly hopeless. The abuse heaped
upon us by an abuser bearded in his den.
mas been met with silent contempt as far
as possible, and when necessary we have
made the masks fall by the wearers own
hands.
What little means were in our power
to help the cause of church, school,
society, and labor, were freely and sim
cerely extended.
In the advocation of public matters,
whether of business or politics, we have
always been on the peoples side, never
in need of changing our course, and no
man can say that he has been led into
anything by THE HERALD that has
brought him to loss, grief or regret.
The Republican party in Berkeley
county has been strengthened and united
almost to man. If THE HERALD stands
by the party, and the party by the peo-
pie, future success is assured. With few
exceptions, THE HERALD has treated the
representatives of the opposite party
with fairness and Difference, and will
continue to do so. We try to be liberal
in all things and to all men, where liber-
Atty is not in opposition to truth and
justice, and where principle is not sacri-
feed. True, we have made some mis-
takes in personal likes and dislikes. and
attribute them to their real source, the
perversity of human nature and man s
natural propensity to evil.
In advocating the advancement of the
public good, we have said some things
that hurt, and will have to do so again
where the truth must be told. When a
town or community is self-satisfied and
contented with the condition of things
IS they are, progress is slow and the ten
lency is backward. If anything will
.rouse them it is the truth that hurts
Dur idea of enterprise and imp ovement
4. not in accord with Martinsburg's sad
,xperience-lessons of the past. Men who
AYE succeeded in managing their own
ttfairs successfully, and prospered by
honest gain, are the only ones who are
qualified to lead true enterprise. lead
1t in the light of public spirit and MT in
the obscurity of dollar-and-cent pocket
policy. Time will tell who is right.
Every we'll deserving work or cause,
Individual or organization, will have the
hearty support of THE HERALD as far as
'ur health and feeble efforts will permit.
Among the most substantial classes of
'ur citizens, in the town and county,
The HERALD's reputation stands high in
he confidence of the people; and we
AN say without fear of contradiction,
chat it possesses the esteem and good
will of the press of the State.